Your "favorite" semiauto

I've settled on two revolvers as my favorite revolvers to shoot. It doesn't matter what they are, it's different for everyone and this isn't about revolvers. But those two are guns that just plain work and feel like an extension of my hand.

I have tried a lot of different semiauto pistols over the years and have never found one that I can say I just love to shoot. Sure, some are pretty good, but I haven't found "the one" yet. What I'm looking for is a 9x19 in a "full" or "duty" size.

I don't think "the one" will be a striker-fired gun, the action just doesn't feel "real" to me, but for serious self defense or going to war it's plenty good enough. I like hammer fired guns for fun range shooting, but I'm not a huge fan of single action (1911) triggers. About the only mainstream guns I haven't tried are the CZ series, Beretta 92 series, or Beretta Storm series.

My favorite semi-auto(s) are a Sig 230 in 380 and a Star UltraStar 9mm. Those two just feel like they were made specifically for my hands.

After those two I'd probably choose my Browning BDM, my East German Makarov and then a HiPower (or clone). There was a whole herd of Sigs that were really, really, really nice but I sold or traded or gave all but the 230 away. The Dan Wesson (Monson) 1911 Patriot/Pointman Experimental would bring up the bottom of the favorites list. Stricker fired semi-autos would fall in the right after the turtles class.

I haven't tried are the CZ series, Beretta 92 series, or Beretta Storm series

Click to expand...

I prefer hammer fired.

The 9mm of mine that seen the most range time is my PX4 (DA/SA)

Also have a Tanfoglio Witness Elite in 9. (SA CZ-75 clone) It's one of my latest acquisitions and also see's a good amount of range time.

Have a 'Stoeger Cougar' in 9. (A ~Beretta Cougar~ made by Stoeger, DA/SA) All metal with Beretta's rotating barrel. Basically a predecessor to the PX4. I've lent it to my Father and I'm unsure if he'd part with it now,,,

Have fondled some 92's,,, Only thing that keeps me away is the grip needs to be just a touch longer to accommodate my mits.

The Walther PPQ is a striker-fired pistol with great reviews,,, I've shot mine back to back with my PX4 using identical rounds.

C-96 Broomhandle Mauser. In 7.63 Mauser. Lousy sights, lousy ergonomics, lousy trigger and a pain in the butt to load without stripper clips....but more fun than a monkey with a hand grenade to shoot !!!

The P-series Rugers are also unfairly overlooked. Tough and bulletproof, though a tad bulky and unrefined. On the plus side, even perfect examples are still going for giveaway prices! Grab a couple now before they start to climb like the Six-series revolvers!

I would add the Star Firestars to the "oft ignored" category. Small and slim enough for CCW use (though heavy due to their all-steel construction), and one of the very few single action autos out there which isn't based on the 1911 or HiPower. Nice guns.

My all time favorite will always be the Browning Hi-Power that saved my bacon back in the 1970's/ However the financial pressures of grad school led to me selling it in the 1980's. I now have 3 Hi-Powers, an Israeli surplus MkIII, and FEG, and a newly acquired Tisas Regent BR9 (pictured below).

My favorite gun to shoot is my CZ RAMI but since you're looking for full size I'd have to go with P07/P09. I own a P07 but have shot a P09 to be convince they handle pretty much the same. Has the "real" feel of a hammer fired gun and at least the model I have came with the parts to switch between safety or decocker depending on you preference. Has different size backstraps to better tailor the gun to your hand as well. They have polymer frames so you can still pretend to fit in with the hip crowd too!

I really enjoy shooting my Ruger SR22 and I shoot it quite well. I'm sure I can shoot better with a Mark pistol or a S&W Victory, but they're so plain in comparison. The SR22 is DA/SA, has a hammer to play with, +5 mag extensions, it's easy to rack the slide, and it's easy to carry.

If Ruger would take the Mark design and size it up to shoot .32 ACP, that would probably be my favorite semiauto pistol. I want so badly a quality made .32 ACP pistol that's not solely designed around concealed carry or as an officer's pistol, but a real shooter for the target range.

Although The High Road has attempted to provide accurate information on the forum, The High Road assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of the information. All information is provided "as is" with all faults without warranty of any kind, either express or implied. Neither The High Road nor any of its directors, members, managers, employees, agents, vendors, or suppliers will be liable for any direct, indirect, general, bodily injury, compensatory, special, punitive, consequential, or incidental damages including, without limitation, lost profits or revenues, costs of replacement goods, loss or damage to data arising out of the use or inability to use this forum or any services associated with this forum, or damages from the use of or reliance on the information present on this forum, even if you have been advised of the possibility of such damages.

This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.